Road maintenance, particularly pothole repairs, continues to raise serious service delivery concerns across Midrand.

Olivia Rutledge recently sent a complaint asking who the ward councillor of Halfway Gardens was after her vehicle struck a massive pothole on Barbet Road on February 5. The incident left her car damaged and her children shaken. “The children had to Uber from school, as I had to wait for roadside assistance. It seems the pothole has been there for years. No one in the area has bothered to put something in there as a warning even.”

Read more: Potholes push Midrand Ward 132 to breaking point as residents demand urgent action

Her experience is not isolated. Nyameka Makitshi also raised concerns about the deteriorating condition of Brand Road, describing the potholes as having now become ditches. “We hope to receive assistance, as this matter has long been experienced since 2024. Driving on that road has become survival of the fittest. There is no courtesy at all from other drivers. We hope someone will pay attention.”

Residents of Chloe Street have also reported potholes that have allegedly remained unrepaired for over a year. They allege that some of the damage was left behind following repairs to burst pipes. The resident added that new complaints had to be logged after being informed that previous complaints could not be traced.

Also read: Urgent action needed to address illegal signage in Ward 132

Ward 132 councillor Annette Deppe confirmed that numerous potholes across Midrand, and her ward, have been reported to Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), but said slow response times remain a challenge. She said Norfolk Road, from Van Heerden Road through to the Kyalami Ridge complex, is heavily affected. Other problem areas include Le Roux Road, the corner of Harry Galaun and Allandale roads, as well as the intersection of Jamie Uys and Candy streets, to name a few.

Deppe said the number of potholes being reported is significant, and residents are understandably frustrated, adding that continued follow-ups have been made with the roads agency.

Meanwhile, regional director Makgafela Thaba acknowledged mounting criticism directed at JRA during the launch of Operation Restore in Ivory Park on February 18. He said he had recently met with councillors from the region and recognised the extent of concerns raised. “After meeting with the councillors from the region about two weeks ago, I recognise the number of issues they are concerned about regarding JRA.”

Midrand Reporter sent an inquiry to JRA to establish the entity’s turnaround time for pothole repairs once a complaint is logged, as well as which Midrand roads and infrastructure is currently on the maintenance plan. The response will be published once received.

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